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HID backup light mod-gotta do something in winter(

OK, so I might take some heat for this one but with 25% tinted windows it's hard to see when backing up at night.
I have to give Randall (Spray 540) credit for this mod, he did it first and email me his link on youtube. He's the guy that was molding and machining parts when he went to the U of Salt Lake or some college in Utah.
The HID kit came from eBay, $35 shipped, the other parts I had in my collection of "good stuff" not ready to be tossed out.
This would be much harder to do requiring some hefty cutting if done to the OEM tail light assy. With aftermarket smoked lenses it was pretty easy to do.
This replaces the 21 watt lamps with 35 watt HID bulbs, they generate more heat, but after having them on for 2 minutes I could still keep my hand on the plastic lens. Don't think I'll ever need to backup for more than 2 min. Warm up time for the HID's to get to full intensity is 3-4 seconds.
Randall also installed a switch in the cabin to turn on the HID's while driving forward, for the cars behind you that won't turn off their high beams. Sounds like a good option, only requires that you ground one wire that connects to the instrument cluster.

15 minutes and it's back to the old bulbs

"Drive It Like You Stole It, A Sickness for Quickness"The Bottle Rocket "King of Spray" 2 Stage Nitrous OxideDare to be different and stand out among the crowd of me-to-cars!No guts, no glory!Tire smoke, not traction control!Zionsville all aluminum radiator to replace the 3 leak prone Nissens Radiators!

Don't think that will happen any time soon (m)

Too many ideas and not enough time to do all of them. Got 3 more mods coming in the next few weeks if it will stop snowing and I can spend more garage time and get out from behind the snowblower.
There should be enough info for you to do it, if you have aftermarket tail lights.

few yearsa go I bought a halogen bulb

as backup bulb from JC Whitney. It worked fine and gave me the needed extra boost.

I did not worry about the burning of the tail light as I used it for backing into a garage/driveway and that was it. It was only ON for a 25-40sec not enough to melt.

Now, I did better, I installed 3 large lights above the garages with motion and darkness sensor. They have the fluorescent bulb 23W=75W with bright light version (the bright light version makes a huge difference, as the soft white is horribly dim)

There is no need for anything just slide the car into the driveway, and boom... instant daylight !

To much free time Jim? This can apply to..

any car or truck. Great idea. I think I'll try this on the motorhome since backing that thing at night is a biotch, even with the back up camera.Fritracer
Cincinnati, OH
2000 540ia Sport Package 9/99 Silver/Black
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 420 stroker w/6 Pak 430 HP,
510 lbft torque

This is the first winter ever that I have not

had to shovel or snow blow. The shoulder surgery got me out of that; son and daughter areen't happy now since they have to do it (it's about time).Fritracer
Cincinnati, OH
2000 540ia Sport Package 9/99 Silver/Black
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 420 stroker w/6 Pak 430 HP,
510 lbft torque

Thought I would chime in

I did this install on CELIS tail lights. Mine was only 1/2 a step different from JimLev. I hollowed out the OEM light fixture -the only difference.

Since I used the OEM fixture, reversing the mod is as easy as pulling out the HID bulb, killing the power to them temporarily (pull their fuse) and insert stock bulbs. You would need another set of fixtures though, since these are now ruined for normal bulbs.

I'm glad JimLev made a DIY writeup, cause I was feeling far too lazy to do it. I did make some videos though where you can see the difference in installation.

Think I got it in the early '80's. Back then we (m

Only needed to have a rear plate (MA was trying to save $$ by going to 1 plate).
It looks pretty beat now, I can't get a replacement. The registry said my choices are keep it or get new plates, front and back.
I'll keep it, a front plate does nothing for the looks of most cars.

Got them on ebay a long time ago (m)

The quality is actually very good, exact fitment. There was a sticker on them, made in Taiwan.
IIRC the pair was about $100, I see them now going for ~$60.
I still have the original Hella lights if that makes you feel better...LOL

Does that garage have HEAT?

"Drive It Like You Stole It, A Sickness for Quickness"The Bottle Rocket "King of Spray" 2 Stage Nitrous OxideDare to be different and stand out among the crowd of me-to-cars!No guts, no glory!Tire smoke, not traction control!Zionsville all aluminum radiator to replace the 3 leak prone Nissens Radiators!

LOL, U mean late May? Any BBW down there?

"Drive It Like You Stole It, A Sickness for Quickness"The Bottle Rocket "King of Spray" 2 Stage Nitrous OxideDare to be different and stand out among the crowd of me-to-cars!No guts, no glory!Tire smoke, not traction control!Zionsville all aluminum radiator to replace the 3 leak prone Nissens Radiators!

Great mod Jim. I have a Lexus RX300 with backup >

lights that should only be used in bright daylight. Otherwise, you may as well have a white cane sticking from the rear bumper to "feel" your way as you back up in the dark. My E39 has the best backup lights I've ever had on any vehicle. But, as you can attest, there is always room for improvement. As usual, another flawless mod. Nicely done.